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MINIMALIST SHOE COLLECTION

Since sharing what's in my minimalist purse, and my minimalist makeup bag, I've had a few requests to share my shoe collection. At this point, I certainly don't feel like I have reached "minimalist" status with my shoes but I have definitely slim-lined what I consider to be my essentials. This is a journey of sorts and what works for us may not work for you. Also, for some, the amount of shoes I have may seem very large and for others, very small.

When we first started decluttering, I had forty-two pairs of shoes in my closet. Most of them rested on my storage rack getting dusty because they were simply uncomfortable and never got worn. For some, I simply didn't like the style and color any longer. Once I was diagnosed with a bone spur in my ankle a couple of years ago, the orthopedist prescribed that I stop wearing heels all together. So, once I made the decision to start decluttering, it didn't take much time to whittle down my collection.Now I own ten pairs of shoes.Here is my disclaimer though: I feel like minimalist living is not about living with nothing, but about having the least amount of stuff that still meets my needs. I do enjoy a variety of activities and I don't want minimalism to detract from my life experiences.Ok, let's see what I have!

WORK/SPECIAL OCCASION

1. Cognac Flat Sandals: Franco Sarto Gustar FlatI've owned these for approximately two years and the toes are beginning to fray. At some point, I may end up replacing them for a similar flat sandal in black. However, the replacement must be comfortable as these flats are less than supportive.

2. Black Pumps: Comfort Plus Karmen PumpHonestly, these pumps are strictly for job interviews. They only have a three inch heel, but dang they cause pain in my ankle and my toes. Since I just purchased the leather loafers, I am debating even keeping these pumps. We'll see how long they stay in my closet.

3. Black Wedge Sandals: White Mountain Gemmy Block-Heel Dress SandalsSo I know I've said that I don't wear heels, but these are the exception...and the black pumps, but I digress. Since the sandals have a block heel, I'm able to comfortably wear them for long periods of time. For example, my Mom and I drove up to Portland for one of my best friend's weddings in April and I wore them literally the entire day without pain! One of the details I love about these sandals are the buckles! They seem to keep my foot feeling secure and in place and I don't have to focus any attention on trying to walk properly.

4. Leather Loafers: Naturalizer Veronica Tailored Loafer FlatsThese are the third pair of loafers I've purchased online so I decided not to return these as I did with the other two (these ones are my absolute favorite but a little too spendy for my budget). They are actually pretty comfortable but sadly my custom orthotics do not fit inside. I think I'll be searching for some kind of arch support in the near future but overall I'm happy with them. The first time I wore them, I got a blister on the back of my right heel and that was a bit painful. Hopefully the break in period will be short.

CASUAL/COMFORTABLE/ACTIVE

1. Water and Sport Sandals: Chacos similar here.These are great for swimming, floating the river, kayaking, even hiking! I've had these for over nine years and they are still in great condition! They are excellent quality and when I purchased them, they were still being manufactured here in the states. Sadly, I think they are now made overseas.

2. White/Black Tennis Shoes: Women's Adidas SuperstarOh, these babies are one of my favorites and an absolute essential. They go with jeans, shorts, dresses, skirts, you name it.

3. Crossfit Shoes: Reebok Nano 6.0When I signed up for Crossfit for the third time (a story for another time), I decided to pick up some Nanos for better stability while lifting weights. Then I had to quit CF for the final time. So sad. Anyway, I still have the shoes and I can use them as cross trainers once I'm able to start working out with low-intensity workouts. If you do CF, I highly recommend the Nanos. Reebok has now come out with the Nano 7's so check those out too!4. Black Nike running shoes: Similar here and here.These are the shoes I wore for Crossfit before purchasing the Nanos. They are really ideal for running but since I don't run, I've been wearing them while painting in the RV. Ha!

WORK/HIKING

1. Work Boots: Danner Women's Quarry USA 7" Black ATSince I am around medical equipment and heavy tanks for work, I am required to wear steel-toed shoes. Danner Boots are one of the best quality companies who make work boots and most firefighters and police officers wear similar styles. They are durable, comfortable, and waterproof. And bonus, they are manufactured in Portland, just 2.5hrs away from Bend. Once I started wearing these boots in the rain and snow for work, I realized that they actually out performed my snow boots and my rain boots. So I donated both snow and rain boots.

2. Hiking Boots: Asolo Gore-Tex, similar here.These hiking boots have been in my closet for over twelve years. I think my parents bought them for me from REI before we hiked the South Sister in 2005. Again, I wore them hiking the South Sister in 2008 with JP. They are excellent quality and worth the price tag for ultimate comfort when hiking. It is so frustrating to get blisters while trekking up a mountain!

WHAT I'M MISSING

So, I feel like my collection, though small, is actually fairly well-rounded and functional for all four seasons. I can enjoy the outdoors like hiking as well as water activities. My collection allows for heavier intensity workouts (running and lifting weights), office appropriate shoes and special occasions, and plenty of comfort and style while running errands. However, I have been in the market for some ankle boots for about a year now. I've tried on SO many ankle boots and have actually purchased a couple of pairs online without achieving the right fit. You see, I have a few restrictions. The heel must be very low, preferably 1" or less, the toe must be rounded so that my full-length orthotics may be accommodated, they must be black (leather or faux but not suede), and they must have a minimalist design to them. Also, I'd like the ankle to be a bit more narrow so that I won't feel like my entire foot could slide in and out easily. I'm aware that this is a tall order. If you have any suggestions on your favorite ankle boots, I'd love to hear from you! I am loving the look of these, these, and these.Do you think I'm missing any style of footwear? If so, what do you think I should add to my collection?How many pairs of shoes do you own? What are your shoe must-haves? I'd love to know so leave a comment below!

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